Suits has a tendency to have mirroring finales, sometimes during its 6 years run, as a consequence, those turned out to feel like some storylines were repeated in a loop; but things changed after the season 4 finale, and specially after that game changer season 5 ending (that could have served as a series finale too)
P.S.L, Season 6's last episode before January arrives, could have work as a wrap up for the series too. The closure of the episode was a hopeful montage of what's in store for the characters outside and inside the firm. Things have come to an end as we know it.
The opening sequence showcases Mike and Harvey having drinks and to what extent the foundation of the show has been shaken. Suits was the story of an arrogant lawyer whose life changes after hiring a fraud, playing a dangerous game to keep working with him, because truth to be told, Mike is a good lawyer, a fake one, but in the end great at his job. The plot has closure when he goes to jail paying for the crime he committed.
Season 6A was interesting to see how his life in prison reflected Leonard Baileys' case, an innocent man, that was on death row. In the end both got out and are free, but the whole point of the story arc wouldn't make sense if Mike didn't show up some character evolution, and it does the moment he doesn't jump on board with Harvey's idea; to have him as a consultant for the firm.
As much as the series structure revolved around Mike and Harvey's partnership, through the seasons the rest of the characters achieved a level of importance and seeing what was going through the dynamic duo's lives was as important as watching Jessica, Rachel, Donna and Louis arcs'.
One of those stories seemed to have come to an end last night (If you haven't watch the episode and don't want to be spoiled stop reading)
After a season of clear evolution and a determined mind to work side by side with Rachel in the Innocence Project, they achieve getting Bailey out of jail and Jessica realizes corporate law is not fulfilling her anymore. Being at court, fighting for a man's life, besides being the one that takes care of the firm, her life as she knows it has come to an end. Flashbacks, are usually used on this show to give the viewer information into the characters' minds and what makes them be who they are, P.S.L showcased different stages in Jessica's life and her relationship with her father, how he was, and what was her motivation or what drove her to be the excellent character she is. Gina Torres, did a magnificent job through the 6 seasons, performing the wide spectrum of emotions Jessica has shown. She was a woman of color, in power, but she wasn't a one sided character, she wasn't just that. And I'm grateful to the writers team for this arc. Because as a woman her life wasn't only her work, or it wasn't only her family, Jessica Pearson is the epitome of a hard working woman, and a relatable one, a complex character with a lot of layers to identify or empathize with, she wasn't perfect, but as Donna would say, she wasn't apologizing for who she was. Jessica Pearson is the kind of character that inspires people and marks a before in after in TV history.
P.S.L was a love letter to how the dynamics worked until now. Having the firm at risk once more made Harvey and Louis work side by side, while everything that could have wrong, did. Stu was leaving, Jessica couldn't fill in their shoes and save the day as always so they came up with a plan that in the end work, and the firm was shaken but still standing. The problem was when Jessica breaks the news that she's leaving and Louis loses it. Donna arrives just in time to drop some truths, and in this moment it's obvious that as Jessica worked as the teacher that has her students in check, Donna fills in a familiar role, one that glues them together emotionally. (And this will be interesting to see how it works when the show comes back) She points out that even if they promised they were going to fight for the firm, while her and Harvey were busy trying to free Mike, Rachel and Jessica were working on Bailey's case, and Louis on gaining back his love life. They all had different motivations and goals, and this was a time to respect each other wishes. They toast in Jessica's behalf and the Pearson part of Pearson, Specter, Litt is gone, after one of the best scenes of this show. Having Jessica being so vulnerable, accepting she's not sure of what she's doing, and being scared, but feeling this is something she has to do, because fighting for money and power isn't everything, and there's more.
(Evidence of what I wrote above and why I'm going to miss Jessica Pearson so much)
Her words are the looking glass of how the series goes into its hiatus. Rachel and Mike together at home, being content because of what she achieved and their future ahead. Louis proposing to Tara (after he found out she's pregnant with her boyfriend's baby, see sidelines) Jessica going back to Jeff and Harvey doing a gigantic evolution into accepting how he feels about his mentor leaving, and speaking up about not wanting to be alone. The episode ends With Donna by his side (one of the two women that had been a constant in his life) and as the shot of him alone watching over the city becomes a close up of her shyly reaching for him and Harvey taking her hand in his, the camera pans out to see the reflection of the night lights in their faces, looking ahead. Which could work as a metaphor, not only for them, but because of the song choice and how this was edited, the main 6 characters gazing into their future.
Suits is not only about law and is not only a procedural show, but a story about how these characters go through life together.
What do you think will happen in season 6B?
Side Notes
- The closing song is Fate Don't Know You by Desi Valentine (I've been listening to it on repeat)
- I'm gonna miss Jessica a lot, but good news, she might come back. (And considering now Louis and Harvey are in charge, she might have to in order to help them into whatever mess they get in)
- Donna's storyline this season was mixed a lot into Louis', for what the future holds I wish she isn't only a fixer but we delve into her character more.
-Mike and Rachel's evolution on their own was a big step. Mike accepting his fate and consequences of his actions, I'm really interested to see how this affects the rest of the show, as much as Rachel believing in herself and not just being a paralegal or a law student.
- Is it January yet? (or someone has a Delorean at reach?)
- I'm gonna miss Jessica a lot, but good news, she might come back. (And considering now Louis and Harvey are in charge, she might have to in order to help them into whatever mess they get in)
- Donna's storyline this season was mixed a lot into Louis', for what the future holds I wish she isn't only a fixer but we delve into her character more.
-Mike and Rachel's evolution on their own was a big step. Mike accepting his fate and consequences of his actions, I'm really interested to see how this affects the rest of the show, as much as Rachel believing in herself and not just being a paralegal or a law student.
- Is it January yet? (or someone has a Delorean at reach?)
